Emerging fashion brand YAKU showcases its innovative collection ‘Sunset on Tutorial Island’ at LFW, blending personal narrative with game-inspired visuals and a commitment to sustainability.
During the recent London Fashion Week (LFW), emerging fashion brand YAKU unveiled the latest chapter in its innovative series, “The ImPossible Family Reunion in RPG Space,” titled “Sunset on Tutorial Island.” The presentation, devised by founder Yaku Stapleton, serves as a vivid homage to his family, blending personal narrative with imaginative design set within a fantastical, game-inspired world.
The event took place at a prominent venue, showcasing the fifth chapter of the series, which debuted earlier this year at the prestigious Central Saint Martins MA show. There, Stapleton earned the L’Oréal Professionnel Creative Award, subsequently gaining recognition through the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN initiative. This support has propelled the “The ImPossible Family Reunion” into a physical manifestation of a Runescape-like alternate universe.
“Building this lore took weeks,” Stapleton mentioned, reflecting on the creative process that shaped this unique fashion experience. The presentation aimed to immerse guests in the RPG-inspired island setting, where audience members were not mere spectators but active participants. Upon entry, attendees received passports complete with introspective questionnaires, allowing them to engage with the mythical world Stapleton has envisioned.
The audiovisual atmosphere was crafted by composer Jordan Fox, who created a score that underscored the enchanting experience with distant sounds evocative of nature, reminiscent of scenes in “Jurassic Park.” The environment was adorned with personal artifacts from the reimagined family, such as knick-knacks, handwritten letters, and even a cassette tape featuring the voice of “Old Dad.”
Witnessing the collection unfold allowed attendees to feel emotionally connected to the characters as they navigated their roles and impending journeys. Each guest was assigned a biome based on their earlier questionnaire answers, enabling a deeper sense of personal investment in the characters’ stories. The collection was displayed against a lush backdrop populated by scenes of survival and community, encompassing camping and fishing activities.
The presentation featured three striking moving tableaus: The Library, The Forest, and The Volcano, each occupied by different family members engaged in their respective tasks. In The Library, characters, including Grandad, Steph, and Karis, donned garments that mirrored contemporary street styles while incorporating elements of workwear. For instance, Grandad’s ensemble included a structured tan utility jacket, adorned with a striking YAKU logo on the back.
In The Forest, representatives Mum, Lorelle, and Ricky adopted attire that blended imaginative designs with practicality for survival tasks. The clothing incorporated elements of humanoid exoskeletons, lending a distinct yet functional aesthetic. Mum, for example, wore a Shifter Hoodie featuring iridescent scales, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
The Volcano tableau showcased more dynamic and armor-like garments, with standout looks such as Amir’s blood-red ‘Volcano Protection Puffer,’ embellished with spikes reminiscent of anime influences from Stapleton’s youth.
Remarkably, the fashion show employed androgynous casting, allowing characters to be portrayed by actors of various genders, reinforcing a blur between identity and attire. This approach enhanced the universal appeal of the garments, highlighting their versatility beyond conventional fashion norms.
As the presentation transitioned from intimate scenes to a walkway, the actors transformed from storied inhabitants of a fictional island to everyday individuals, with designated podiums for showcasing the collection. The fourth wall was effectively broken, allowing the audience to view the clothing through both fictional and realistic lenses.
Underpinning YAKU’s mission is a commitment to sustainability, with pieces crafted from deadstock fabric, designed for longevity and reuse. The cyclical narrative of the show, paralleling the life cycle of fashion trends, reflected both the brand’s ethos and its ambition to create a lasting impact in the industry.
As YAKU continues to carve its niche in fashion through imaginative storytelling and eco-conscious design, it remains poised for growth and engagement in the evolving landscape of contemporary style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
